This document contains writing prompts and reading comprehension questions about the story of Rinko and her family. The prompts ask students to imagine themselves as Rinko's friend, write about someone special visiting them, and describe their dream job. The reading questions ask about a letter received by Rinko's family, how it affects them, and how Aunt Waka changes Rinko and her family. Another prompt asks students to write about the plans and dreams of Rinko's family members. The reading questions ask about threats and persecution faced by Rinko's family.

1. Y1/2
WRITING:
At the start of the story, Rinko wishes she could be like everyone else. She wishes that her
hair, her name and her heritage were different. However, by the end of the story, Rinko
learns to start liking who she is. Think about something you like about yourself. Write about
something you like about yourself and would not want to change.
READING/COMPREHENSION:
Imagine that Rinko is your friend in real life. Write words and phrases that would help you
describe her to someone who doesn’t know her. (What does Rinko look like? What kind of
personality does she have? What does she like to do?) Why did you choose this character?
Y3/4
WRITING:
In the story, Mama receives a letter containing the news that her sister, who lives in Japan,
will be coming to spend the summer with the family. She is very happy about the visit.
Imagine you have received news that someone special is going to visit you. Write about
someone whose visit would make you very happy.
READING/COMPREHENSION:
One person may have a significant effect on all the others in a family. After Aunt Waka's
visit, Rinko realises how much of a difference she made in their lives. Write a paragraph
describing the ways Aunt Waka changed Rinko and her family.
1. How does Rinko think of time since Aunt Waka's visit?
2. How does Aunt Waka's visit affect Rinko?
3. How does Aunt Waka help Papa when the family is threatened?
4. What is Papa's dream and how does Aunt Waka help Papa realize his dream?
Y5
WRITING:
In the story, Mama tells Rinko that she wanted to become a teacher when she was a young
girl. Cal, Rinko's brother, wants to become an engineer. And Rinko's father dreams of
opening a repair shop. Think about an occupation you think would be perfect for you. Write
about your "dream" job.
READING/COMPREHENSION:
Letters have often played an important role in plays, stories, and real lives. In the story,
Mama receives an important letter. Write a paragraph telling about the letter and how it
affects Rinko and her family.
1. Who is the letter from and why is it sent?
2. Rinko knows the letter has some special news in it because of Mama's behavior after
receiving a letter from Japan. How does Mama behave?
3. How does Rinko feel about the contents of the letter? Why?
4. What is Joji's reaction to the news that the letter brings?
Y6
WRITING:
In the story, which takes place in the 1930s, times are hard for the Tsujimura family. Papa

2. tells the family not to be afraid of making plans and having dreams. Write a paragraph about
the plans and dreams of different family members - the obstacles they encounter, the help
they receive from others, the actions they take.
READING/COMPREHENSION:
It isn't easy to be "different" in one's community. In fact, it could be dangerous. In the
story, Rinko's family is threatened. Write a paragraph describing the way the family is
threatened and persecuted.
(This topic is recommended for students who have read through Chapter 9.)
1. What is the first threat received by Rinko's family?
2. What happens to Papa's car and to the laundry that customers leave for Papa to pick up?
3. Who does Papa think is harassing his and Rinko's family?
4. Think about the final act of harassment. What happens to Maxie?